Iran — Page 97

Trump calls Iran’s nuclear counterproposal ‘unacceptable’

Trump to press China on Iran during Beijing visit, officials say

AI summaryUS President Donald Trump is set to visit China to discuss the Iran war and other issues with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with US officials signaling they will press Beijing to do more to pressure Tehran. Analysts suggest China may seek concessions, possibly over Taiwan, in exchange for its help.

Trump-Netanyahu Ties Show Strain as Iran War Drags On

AI summaryReports indicate growing friction between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the ongoing conflict with Iran, with Trump reportedly disappointed by unmet expectations and Netanyahu asserting full coordination. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth denies that Israel dragged Trump into war, insisting the president has led at every step.

Iran sends response to US ceasefire proposal via Pakistani mediators, state media reports

AI summaryIran has submitted its response to a US proposal to end the ongoing conflict through Pakistani mediators, according to Iranian state media. The talks are reportedly focused on ending hostilities, with negotiations also addressing the Strait of Hormuz and a possible interim agreement.

US-Iran Talks Not Deadlocked, Negotiations Continue — Pakistani Ambassador

AI summaryPakistan's ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, told TASS that US-Iran talks are ongoing via Islamabad's mediation, with no deadlock. He expressed hope for a positive outcome, while also discussing Pakistan's wider regional role and the potential for Islamabad to host future negotiations.

World Cup 2026 security concerns grow amid Iran conflict and drone threats

AI summaryAs the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, security experts and lawmakers warn of heightened terrorism risks, including homegrown extremists and drone threats. The US-Israel conflict with Iran and depleted counter-terrorism expertise amplify vulnerabilities, prompting calls for National Guard involvement and a unified federal security posture.

Cargo ship fire off Qatar's coast tests fragile US-Iran ceasefire

AI summaryA cargo ship caught fire after being struck by an unknown projectile off Qatar's coast, in the latest incident testing the month-old ceasefire between the US and Iran. Gulf states reported drone attacks, while the US maintained the truce remains in effect amid ongoing tensions over Iranian nuclear activities and shipping restrictions.

Pakistan, Qatar reaffirm 'shared commitment' to support constructive dialogue across region

AI summaryPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani held a phone call to reaffirm their commitment to regional peace and stability. The leaders discussed the evolving regional situation, with both sides supporting ongoing diplomatic efforts, including the Pakistan-brokered US-Iran talks. The conversation also touched on the upcoming visit of Qatar's emir to Pakistan.

Calm Returns to Strait of Hormuz as US Awaits Iran’s Response

AI summaryRelative calm has returned to the Strait of Hormuz after days of naval clashes, with Washington awaiting Tehran’s response to a US peace proposal. Iran has questioned the seriousness of American diplomacy, while US officials say they expect a reply soon.

Iran warns sanctioning countries will face 'difficulties' in Strait of Hormuz

AI summaryIran's army spokesman says countries imposing sanctions on Iran will face obstacles transiting the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran establishes a 'new legal and security system' in the strategic waterway. The warning comes amid ongoing US-Iran strikes and while Saudi Aramco reports a surge in profits due to higher energy prices.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Threaten US Sites in Middle East Over Tanker Strikes

AI summaryIran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned it will attack US sites and ships if Iranian tankers come under fire, following US strikes on two tankers in the Gulf of Oman. Washington awaits Tehran’s response to a proposed peace deal, while satellite images show an oil slick near Iran’s Kharg Island and violence continues on the Lebanon front.

Global Oil Reserves Decline at Record Pace Amid Middle East Conflict, Analysts Say

AI summaryTASS reports that global oil stockpiles are shrinking at a record pace due to the Middle East conflict and restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, with Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs providing estimates of the decline. The reports highlight the risk of sharper price spikes and shortages as strategic reserves are coordinated to contain price growth.

Finance Minister Says Economic Recovery Intact Despite Regional Conflict, Assures Fuel Supply

AI summaryPakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb reiterated confidence in the country's economic recovery despite regional tensions, citing growth in manufacturing, exports, and remittances. The government also assured uninterrupted fuel supply amid concerns over rising oil prices. Meanwhile, EU officials praised Pakistan's role in de-escalation efforts and discussed enhancing trade ties.

Venice Biennale opens amid protests over Russia and Israel participation

AI summaryThe 61st Venice Biennale opened with protests and political tensions over Russia's return and Israel's presence. The international jury resigned, the EU threatened to cut funding, and the Russian pavilion remains closed to the public until May 9. Artists and activists condemned the participation, while Russian officials defended it as cultural dialogue.

UK deploys HMS Dragon to Middle East for potential Hormuz shipping mission

AI summaryBritain is deploying the destroyer HMS Dragon to the Middle East, where it could join a UK- and French-led multinational effort to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz once conditions allow. The strictly defensive mission, championed by Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron, comes as a US-Iran ceasefire holds without a lasting settlement. France has also positioned its carrier strike group in the southern Red Sea.

Bahrain arrests 41 accused of links to Iran's IRGC

AI summaryBahrain's Interior Ministry announced the arrest of 41 people accused of alleged links to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to state media. The individuals face accusations of espionage, with authorities stating the arrests relate to ongoing investigations into activities dating back to the recent conflict.

Trump says expects Iran's response within hours; Tehran says proposal still under review

AI summaryUS President Donald Trump said he expects to receive Iran's response to US proposals within hours, while Tehran's Foreign Ministry says the response is still under consideration. The exchange comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a settlement agreement.

Japanese PM Takaichi to visit South Korea's Andong for summit with President Lee

AI summaryJapanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to visit South Korea's Andong city on May 19-20 for a summit with President Lee Jae Myung, continuing the leaders' 'shuttle diplomacy' and addressing bilateral and regional issues including North Korea and the Middle East conflict.

Rubio Questions Allies' Support on Iran as Tensions Over Base Access Grow

AI summaryUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly questioned why allies are not backing Washington's efforts against Iran and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, following meetings in Rome. He singled out Spain for denying base access and raised doubts about NATO's purpose, while Italy's Prime Minister described talks as 'frank' amid differing views.

US Expects Iran's Response to Proposed Deal as Talks Continue

AI summaryThe US is awaiting Iran's response to a proposal aimed at establishing a framework for talks to end the conflict, with President Trump expressing optimism. Meanwhile, Qatar urges mediation, and the US State Department warns officials about betting sites amid ceasefire negotiations.